Battle of Gettysburg

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Gettysburg?

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Battle of Gettysburg

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The pivotal 1863 battle that marked the turning point of the American Civil War.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Gettysburg (locally ) (July 1–3, 1863) was fought in the American Civil War between the Union and Confederate armies in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle, won by the Union, is widely considered the Civil War's turning point, leading to an ultimate victory of the Union and the preservation of the nation. The Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of both the Civil War and of any battle in American military history up to that time, claiming over 50,000 combined casualties. Union major general George Meade's Army of the Potomac defeated attacks by Confederate general Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, halting Lee's invasion of the North and forcing his retreat. After his success in the Battle of Chancellorsville in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, in May 1863, Lee led his Confederate forces through the Shenandoah Valley to begin the Gettysburg campaign, his second attempt to invade the North.

Career & Major Achievements

With Lee's army in high spirits, he intended to shift the focus of the summer campaign from war-ravaged Northern Virginia in the hopes of penetrating as far as Harrisburg or Philadelphia, which he hoped would convince northern politicians to end the war. President Abraham Lincoln initially prodded Major General Joseph Hooker into pursuing Lee, then relieved him of command just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg commenced, replacing him with Meade. On July 1, 1863, as Lee's forces moved on Gettysburg in the hopes of destroying the Union army, the two armies encountered each other, and the battle commenced. Low ridges to the northwest of Gettysburg were initially defended by a Union cavalry division under Brigadier General John Buford, soon reinforced by two corps of Union infantry. Two large Confederate corps assaulted them from the northwest and north, however, collapsing the hastily developed Union lines, leading them to retreat through the streets of Gettysburg to the hills just south of the city.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On the second day of battle, on July 2, the Union line was laid out in a defensive formation resembling a fishhook. In the late afternoon, Lee launched a heavy assault on the Union's left flank, leading to fierce fighting at Little Round Top, the Wheatfield, Devil's Den, and the Peach Orchard. On the Union's right flank, Confederate demonstrations escalated into full-scale assaults on Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill. Despite incurring significant losses, Union forces held their lines. On the third day of battle, July 3, fighting resumed on Culp's Hill, and cavalry battles raged to the east and south of Gettysburg.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1863: 1863 Milestone — The Battle of Gettysburg (locally ) (July 1–3, 1863) was fought in the American Civil War between the Union and Confederate armies in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Notable Quotes by Battle of Gettysburg

“The purpose of our struggle has been redefined by this sacrifice.” (1863)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Gettysburg

True or False: “Was the Battle of Gettysburg the first major battle in American military history to exceed 50,000 combined casualties?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it was the bloodiest up to that time, the question implies it was the *first* such battle; historical records confirm this massive casualty count marked a turning point.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexandre Yersin — Historical peer (Born in 1863) (1863): Pioneering Swiss-French physician and bacteriologist, renowned for plague and diphtheria research.
• Alfred de Vigny — Historical peer (Died in 1863) (1863): French poet and early Romanticist, known for his plays and novels.
• Battle of Gravelotte — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The largest battle of the Franco-Prussian War, fought near Metz in 1870.
• Battle of Grunwald — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Decisive 1410 battle marking the rise of Polish-Lithuanian power over the Teutonic Order.
• Battle of Guilford Court House — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A pivotal battle in the American Revolutionary War that marked a strategic turning point.
• Battle of Hampton Roads — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The pivotal 1862 naval clash that inaugurated the age of ironclad warships.

Frequently Asked Questions about Battle of Gettysburg